'Allah is there above and, with him as witness, I am giving you this money. If my Mariam's letter arrives, you must deliver it.' The clerk stood still in astonishment. 'Where must it be delivered?' 'Upon my grave!'

'Is this man crazy?' the postmaster asked. 'Yes, who? Ali, na? Yes, saheb. Five years have passed and, no matter the weather, he comes to collect a letter. It's very rare for him to receive a letter,' the clerk replied.